There is a high rock in the middle of the passage covered with sea-lions, like those near San Francisco.

In nearly all weather the roaring of these creatures can be heard, and is a very good substitute for a fog-bell.

I am not aware that any government allows a subsidy to the sea-lions.
We saw the northern coast of Japan and the southern end of Sakhalin, both faint and shadowy in the fog and distance.

The wind freshened to a gale, and we made twelve knots an hour under double reefed mainsails and topsails.

In the narrow straits we escaped the heavy waves encountered at sea in a similar breeze.